Azula looked down at the cowering invaders and decided she liked airships. A lot. Bodies and arrows littered the ground around the rock walls that guarded them so long as they stayed put. Well done, Zuko. She gave the order and bombs were launched and then dropped as they flew overhead. The earthbenders raised a roof and ensured their survival for a little longer.
But they weren't her objective. She could almost hear the groans as the would be conquerors realised she was after their boats, their only way out of there. The gauntlet was riddled with broken stone and bodies, scorch marks from fire and lightning, and pulverised tanks from both sides. Zuko had done very well indeed. The boats were guarded by waterbenders and one giant sea monster that seemed to be made of plants that kept on rejoining, no matter how many bombs hit it.
Ah, a waterbender was inside it. Well then.
Lightning blazed down from the heavens and smote the plant-creature-thing through the chest. She watched as the seaweed-monster collapsed and fell apart without it's bender; it was a scene worthy of the Great Tapestries.
The waterbenders held up well for several seconds before the force of the bombs overwhelmed them and finally broke through their defence, obliterating the strange boats and any chance of escape with them. Suddenly the sky bison burst through, carrying many passengers away. Water and wind blocked the fire sent its way and then it was gone, too fast for them to follow. Though it was rising and falling quite a bit...
Ah, that's right, Zuko had wounded it. And she knew exactly where they would go.
oOo
Of course he escaped. He was in one of the most secure prisons, guarded constantly, in a metal cell in a tower. The second most dangerous man to threaten their glorious empire, and he slipped away without his bending. If they ever found him, uncle was going to be made to explain himself.
Preferably at knifepoint. Over lava.
How the hell had he done it? Broken himself out and then vanished without a trace. Apparently this 'White Lotus Society' had many resources, infiltrating the heart of the Fire Nation. But they would be found.
They had a lead now. Piandao. Master swordsman and sword maker, legendary fighter and longtime thorn in father's side. One Azula intended to pluck out and burn.
Except he wasn't home. The lotus design was present everywhere she looked, screaming his guilt loud and clear. He was likely involved with her uncle's escape and no doubt they were halfway to the earth kingdom now, ready to set some scheme in motion. Damn them.
She ordered the mansion searched and any leads to the White Lotus traitors to be followed. Any persons associated with the conspiracy were to be taken into custody and interrogated carefully; they couldn't afford to let any suspects die on them. Just yet.
So far they had discovered several safe houses, all abandoned. Either they had discovered their secret was out, unlikely, or they were leaving anyway. The careful way everything had been packed and cleared out suggested the latter. Where were they going? It must be something important...
She would figure it out later. For now, they had an Avatar to hunt down. He would be hiding in the western air temple. Close by, familiar and hard to get to except by air. Air which she now had a formidable presence in. Which would of course slip the fool's mind.
No point in rushing over there, better to let them settle in and grow complacent first. The wouldn't be getting away any time soon with their transport wounded. In the meantime there were plenty of things to do. What better way to calm down than to interrogate some prisoners?